Issue: AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc
MIFNQ Strategic Planning Workshop Jeremy Audas / 1 September 2014
159 Kings Road Pimlico QLD 4812 PO Box 979 Hyde Park QLD 4812 Tel: (07) 4725 3664 Fax: (07) 4725 3819 Email: townsville@mifnq.org.au Back row- Helen de Campo board member, Cherrie Krajacic Director Corporate Services, Jeremy Audas CEO, Nicola Orchard Mackay Area Manager, Bernie Triggs Cairns Area Manager. Front row – Bruce Rampton board member, Karyn Weller board member, Alison Fairleigh Townsville Area Manager, Bob James President, Alf Musemici board member.
Recently senior staff and board members attended a strategic planning workshop in Townsville. The workshop was facilitated by Dr Cathryn Lloyd. It was a day of energetic discussion, exploration of the Fellowship’s history and looking at what the future holds. There was much animated conversation and everyone contributed their point of view so that by the middle of the day we had all done some deep thinking about the strategic direction we should move towards. After lunch participants reviewed and revised our vision, mission and values and this is where we were able to hone in onto the key issues that led us to come up with a new vision, mission and value set. The work is not over yet and while we did come up with a draft of these important statements we will continue to work for a few more weeks to finalise them before presenting them and members of MIFNQ for their comments. It was wonderful to see our new Area Managers interact with board members and to observe the demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm for the task and for the future of MIFNQ itself. Staff and members of MIFNQ often don’t see this side of the organisation. Your board is strongly committed to the Fellowship and to gather together for a Saturday to work through some demanding tasks is testament to the importance that they and our Area Managers assign to improving MIFNQ and ensuring it continues to deliver high quality services into the future.
www.mifnq.org.au MIFNQ reserves the right to edit articles for publication. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of MIFNQ.
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SANE Australia Research Challenges Perception That Suicide is a Selfish Act abc.net.au/news / 27 July 2014
Mental health group SANE Australia has released new research it says challenges the long-held public perception that suicide is a selfish act. About 2,500 Australians take their own lives each year, and the number of Australians who think about suicide is much higher still. SANE's suicide prevention manager Sarah Coker says the research shows people who try to take their own lives feel they are a burden on family and friends, and therefore for them, the act of suicide has positive rather than negative repercussions. "I think that sense that it's a selfish act is perhaps a lay person's understanding of suicide," she told The World Today. "They're looking at it from the perspective of people left behind and of course, those people are devastated. "It has an enormous impact, but what this research found is that for a number of our participants at the time of them thinking about suicide, actually they were thinking about their loved ones "They had a distorted view that by removing themselves, by dying, by suicide, they'd actually improve the situation for the people that they love. "So for them it was the opposite of a selfish act really. They had other people in mind. "I think if we can increase people's understanding about what it's like for people in that space then hopefully we can reduce some of those misunderstandings that can lead to stigmatising attitudes." Ms Coker says rather than analysing the after effects of suicide, it is important to consider what leads people to take their own lives. "Probably the most common feelings that people talked about at the time of the attempt was a feeling of hopelessness and just a sense that the pain that they were experiencing was never going to end," Ms Coker said. "One quote that jumps to mind is a lady who said 'you know, you're at a point where you can kind of convince yourself that perhaps things will get better or things might not end but you can get beyond that point where there just feels like there's absolutely nothing that can help'. "She said 'it's like feeling like you're at the bottom of the well and there's a lid on the well and there's no lights coming through so there's just no way out'." Ms Coker says the research, which is being presented by SANE Australia at the 2014 National Suicide Prevention Conference currently underway in Perth, will also provide information that will help prevent people from making another suicide attempt. "The biggest barrier to people in their recovery was finding effective and ongoing treatments and professional support and conversely the thing that helped people the most was when they finally did find ongoing professional support," she said. "So that's just such an important part of breaking this cycle, encouraging people to access support and also encouraging people working in mental health or health more generally to be understanding, to take people seriously and to really try and improve how people can access treatments and make sure that they don't fall through the cracks."
Where to Go for Help Kids Helpline
CHAT ONLINE
Free, private & confidential telephone & online counseling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Phone 24/7 - 1800 55 1800 Eheadspace
CHAT ONLINE
Provides online & telephone support and counseling to young people aged between 12 and 25. Available 9AM-1AM AEST - 1800 650 890 Lifeline
CHAT ONLINE
24 hour crisis support 13 11 14. Online counseling available 8AMmidnight
We’re Fundraising with Entertainment Book
MIFNQ is fundraising with Entertainment Book! Visit us online or in our Townsville Office to purchase your book and SAVE!!! Books are $60 and include a wide range of vouchers for local restaurants, entertainment shopping and so much more!!! Visit our online order page listed below to order yours online today: https://www.entertainmentbook.c om.au/orderbooks/2700u79
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Supporting Drought Affected Farmers Alison Fairleigh / 8 July 2014
On 26 February 2014 the Australian Government announced a number of measures to assist communities affected by the drought which has included funding for a Social and Community Package. MIFNQ has been awarded funding to deliver the Targeted Community Care component of the Package into three drought declared Local Government Areas in north Queensland: Croydon, Etheridge and Flinders Shires. What is the Social and Community Support Package? The Australian Government has provided up to $10.7 million additional funding to the end of 2014 to deliver community and social support services within droughtaffected communities in New South Wales and Queensland. The community support package includes: $5.2 million under the Targeted Community Care (Mental Health) Program to increase access to community-based mental health services, including one-to-one counselling, local community engagement activities and events to increase awareness of mental health issues and link people to appropriate support services. $4.5 million under the Family Support Program to deliver family and relationship counselling and support services through outreach to people’s homes and workplace as well as provide telephone and online counselling and support. $800,000 to engage five regional drought coordinators from within the Department of Human Services to coordinate the social support services and ensure service needs and gaps are being met in drought communities. Services will also be provided under the Mental Health Services in Rural and Remote Areas Program (MHSRRAP) to enable better access to clinical psychological services. What type of services will be provided under the Social and Community Support Package? Mobile outreach services to be delivered face-to-face in homes and workplaces and other local venues which offer family and relationship support, including information, counselling and family therapy. This recognises that people may need immediate assistance with issues impacting upon their family relationships that may not be readily available in their local area. Telephone and online counselling, including Skype and online discussions/forums. Community events where people are able to promote available services and provide referrals to support services available within their local area, as well as raise awareness of mental illness in rural communities, build community resilience through networking and promote better general and mental health. Community-based mental health support for individuals and their families, including one-to-one counselling. Referral to clinical mental health support where required. Support in accessing Centrelink payments, financial management, and other social support services. Further information on the full package is available at www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought
In this Edition MIFNQ Strategic Planning Workshop ......................................... 1 SANE Australia Research Challenges Perception That Suicide is a Selfish Act .................. 2 Supporting Drought Affected Farmers ............................................. 3 CEO’s Update ................................... 4 Committee Chatter ........................ 5 MIFNQ AGM Invitation ................. 6 Transitional Recovery Exercise Workshop Mackay ......................... 7 Wayne Freemantle Wins Poetry Slam Competition .......................... 7 Creating Harmony – Creating the Harmony Hanging.......................... 7 Call for Education on Mental Illness & Substance Use ............... 8 Living Proof in Demand From Cairns High Schools....................... 8 Group Bonding Halts Depression for All Walks of Life ....................... 9 SANE Forums Invites You to Join the Conversation!.........................10 Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Schizophrenia Risk ......................10 Kerry's Story: Schizophrenia, Chemotherapy, Menopause ......11 Glen Taylor & Ken Shewan from Canefields Clubhouse .................12 One in Five Young People Struggle with Mental Illness but Few Seek Help: Report ...............13 ABC Goes Mental As ....................14 Primary Health Practitioners to be Trained in E-Mental Health Therapies........................................15 Roads 2 Recovery Walk 2014….
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Teenagers More Anxious & Depressed.......................................16 Calendar of Events – September & October 2014 ............................17 Mental Health: Walking the Talk in the Workplace ..........................18 Genetic Trigger for Schizophrenia and Alcoholism Discovered .....................................19 GPS Device to Track Runaways
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Taking Suicide Prevention to New Heights ..................................21 Coffee Break ..................................22 Mi Networks AUSTRALIA ..........23 Membership Application Form
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CEO’s Update As I reflect on my time with MIFNQ since my appointment in 2011 I am heartened by the growing reputation of the Fellowship in the communities we serve and beyond. Without doubt this is due to our history, roots and values and the quality of the people who work in MIFNQ, past and present, as well as the support provided by volunteers and members of the Association. However we are not immune to external influences brought about by changes in the environment including government policy at both state and federal level, state and national mental health initiatives and changes to things such as the disability support pension, government employment and housing programs. It is essential that MIFNQ positions itself to take advantage of these external influences in order to expand the work it does for people who use its services. Later this month senior staff of MIFNQ and its board members will be spending a day working on our strategic plan that will inform our future direction and activities. The next issue of Northern News will provide more details. Currently MIFNQ is undergoing a major and necessary change due to our success in a recent Qld Health funding round and our need to ensure we have good governance and a structure that better supports our work in Townsville, Mackay and Cairns and beyond. This has led to the appointment of an Area Manager in each of these locations. Bernie Triggs is the new Area Manager in the Far North/Cairns area. Alison Fairleigh has taken on this leadership role as Area Manager for the Townsville and North Qld Region and in Mackay Nicola Orchard has been appointed to manage the growing team of MIFNQ staff in that location. All three bring to the Fellowship complementary skills and capabilities and most importantly all three are people who share the MIFNQ values and ethos and understand the roots and purpose of the Fellowship. There is more. MIFNQ has created new position descriptions for all staff and a major recruitment exercise is underway to be finalised by midSeptember. I'll talk more about this in the next newsletter but it is an exciting time for MIFNQ as it builds its capacity and connections and broadens its sphere of influence. We continue to engage positively with our partners and allies. We continue to be influential in the communities in which we work and we continue to engage with our communities in ways that enhance the lives of people with a mental illness, their families and carers. My time with the Fellowship so far has been immensely rewarding and I feel that I am indeed in a privileged position supported by a committed and skilled management committee, staff, volunteers and MIFNQ membership. The challenges that we face in the future will be met by an organisation with heart and soul, strong capabilities and underpinned by the warmth, empathy and trust that are required to connect with people who come to us for assistance.
Jeremy Audas
Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Audas, CEO
MIFNQ Office Locations TOWNSVILLE (Head Office) 159 Kings Rd, Pimlico Q 4812 PO Box 979 Hyde Park Q 4812 P: (07) 4725 3664 F: (07) 4725 3819 E: townsville@mifnq.org.au FREE CALL: 1800 455 455
MACKAY 14-16 Wood St, Mackay Q 4740 PO Box 729 Mackay Q 4740 P: (07) 4041 2543 P: (07) 4951 2955 F: (07) 4953 0509 E: mackay@mifnq.org.au
CAIRNS 13, 129a Lake St, Cairns Q 4870 PO Box 816 North Cairns Q 4870 F: (07) 4041 2872 E: cairns@mifnq.org.au
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Committee Chatter Your Fellowship is at the start of a new era. The changes in State and Federal governments is culminating in new and different [and larger] funding agreements, and we have new organisational structures coming in to place to meet changing needs. And we move our headquarters away from dear old Kings Road to our new building shortly. As your Management Committee commences focusing on the future of our Fellowship in these changing times, and starts holding meetings to update its strategic planning, we have received a wonderful letter which reminds us NOT to forget who we are, why we came into existence and just what we should be doing [and perhaps also that we have been done a pretty good job in the past in doing it]. This letter tells the story of somebody who was helped through tough parts of her life and who became a dedicated worker for our Fellowship, her “…long standing relationship with the Fellowship commencing in 1998 with Philippa Harris coming to see me after my son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her support was the absolute turning point in me being able to cope these past 16 years”. The writer was Adrianne Hicks, who went on to drive the work and growth of the Fellowship in Cairns over the past seven or so years. Adrianne has just retired, being way past ‘normal’ retirement age, though she promises to remain involved and to support our Fellowship and its new Cairns Manager Bernie Triggs as the Fellowship continues to reach and support more and more people in the Cairns region. We have come a long way since 1998, but there are many other stories like Adrianne’s, both of people who have needed support and of people who became dedicated supporters, volunteers and workers for our Fellowship [some, like Adrianne, both]. Though Philippa too is ‘retiring’ to a lower intensity of involvement, that same ‘calling’ continues within us all, and must continue to keep us true to the ideals of our Fellowship. This is the anchor to our calling, as we grow and ‘corporatise’ to meet the needs of modern day service organisations imposed by government funding bodies as we spend taxpayer’s money to support communities. Even when I joined the Management Committee of the Fellowship in 2004 [has it really been ten years?], we were a tiny organisation based on people like Philippa and Barbara Anderson and then President Lyn Tyson. We have probably increased five-fold or more in funding gained and spent to carry out our ‘calling’. We promised then and continue to promise that we will not forget why we are here and who we are here for. And it is our people – Philippa, Barbara, Lyn, Adrianne, Jeremy Audas, Cherrie Krajacic Glenda Blackwell and countless volunteers and other staff – who have achieved so much and share our calling. Our new Area Managers, Bernie, Alison Fairleigh and Nicola Orchard will continue to serve those ideals that are our calling as we continue to grow and reach more people and support their needs throughout our large region – not just in our three centres. And as we reach out further to more people, we need to thank those who have come before us and who set us on this cause – and wish them well in their retirement. Thank you Adrianne, thank you Philippa, thank you Barbara – we will honour your precedent and continue to answer the call of your ideals.
Bob James
President
Bob James, President
MIFNQ Management Committee President
Bob James
Vice-President
(vacant)
Secretary
Jenny Chapman
Treasurer
Sandra Hubert
Committee Members
Alf Musumeci Karyn Weller Bruce Rampton Helen De-Campo
Promoting Recovery Through Services in the Community
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Invites members and guests to attend the 2014 Annual General Meeting When:
Wednesday 2014
Time:
Commencing at 6:00pm
Place:
MIFNQ Townsville Office Ground Floor, 159 Kings Road PIMLICO Q 4812
RSVP:
Thursday 18th September 2014
RSVP or any further information:
24th
P: (07) 4725 3664
September
E:Townsville@mifnq.org.au
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Transitional Recovery Exercise Workshop Mackay Margaret Ward / 29 May 2014
27 people attended a workshop at the fellowship in Mackay. This workshop was an introduction to Transitional Recovery exercises. Everyone who attended learn about trauma and how it affects your body. The exercises helped to release trauma and gave all the participants an opportunity to experience and try the exercises. (Helens) story of I.R.E The day went really well. It started off as the meaning of T.R.E. We did exercise after the talk. Then we had a break for soup. Then we went back to the exercise again. Then we had a healthy lunch. Then we went back to the exercise. The exercise helped me a lot. The exercise gave me soreness and encouragement to do better. (trauma release exercise) (Roberts) story of I.R.E. It’s a good day. Change my life. Happy day. I recommend everyone to do it. Learnt a lot about it. Exercise is really good and healthy. Good experience. The teachers that showed the exercise were really helpful. (Margaretta) story of I.R.E I learnt something new today and that is when we go through a traumatic experience we store the tension in our body. That’s why it’s so important to let it out by crying or laughing and we did that. By the end of the day we had released years of built up tension through exercise and laughter.
Wayne Freemantle Wins Poetry Slam Competition An interview with Wayne. How did you find out about the Poetry slam contest? I first saw it mentioned in the newspaper. It said there would be a poetry workshop at the Local library. Everyone at MIFNQ encouraged me to go to the workshop. What happened when you went to the workshop? There was myself and a lot of other people. First we did a brainstorming session. This motivated us for the Wayne Freemantle at the actual competition because slam poetry is about workshop being given two minutes to recite a poem. That night a lot of people recited their poems and there were many excellent poems. I was totally amazed when I was declared the contest winner. So what did you win and what’s next for you? I won $100.00 and have been given a free plane ticket and accommodation to now attend the slam poetry state competition being held in Brisbane in September. How did winning the competition make you feel? I felt elated to be the winner but I still get that feeling why me? But it makes me believe in. Wayne to infinity!
Creating Harmony – Creating the Harmony Hanging A recent Art program created this amazing Harmony hanging. Di Skelly Heron provided an 8 week program which explores the four elements and how colour creates harmony within our lives. Participants learnt about colour and how to create a pallet of colours from using just two colours mixing them to create a whole array of exciting new colours. The techniques explored gave everyone an appreciation of colour and how important balance and harmony is in our lives. Each person created a small canvas which was Participants working on the placed onto a large canvas to create the Harmony Hanging ideal that everyone fits perfectly and has a place in this community that we live in and together everyone’s small part has created one beautiful piece of art.
Nourish to Flourish in Mackay Margaret Ward / 29 May 2014
Four more ‘Kitchen Coaches’ have completed their training. Leilani Smiler from Emerald will now facilitate the Nourish to Flourish program with her D2DLiving program in Emerald. Marie Robin, one of the new Transitional Recovery workers will now be able to use her new skills and bring the Nourish to Flourish program into the transitional house. Tammy Walker and Lindy Bishop will be an asset to our Clubhouse and D2Dliving program. Our newly trained coaches have already provided a ‘soup kitchen café’ program and continue to support our Clubhouse café. We have also ran ‘The Blender Challenge’ This was a fun activity where members were broken into groups and had to come up with a nutritious blended drink using the ingredients set out on the table and explore what the drinks benefits were by looking at what each ingredients nutritious benefit was. Everyone then enjoyed trying the drinks created.
The Blender Challenge in full swing
Here is a healthy Tip from our Nourish to Flourish Team: Almonds are a great source of energy, nutritious and full of goodness. Great for a snack but here’s what to do. Activate the almonds by placing them in a container cover with water and leave in your fridge overnight. The next day they are ready to eat as a snack, add to your cereal or porridge or in your salad.
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Call for Education on Mental Illness & Substance Use
Louise Hansen / 23 July 2014
Because of ongoing demand from families dealing with the impact of mental illness and substance abuse a carer education program to assist is about to be trialled in the Far North. The program titled “Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use: The Caring Experience” is being developed jointly by the Cairns MIFNQ team and representatives from Queensland Health’s Dual Diagnosis Team, Dr Akiko Murakami and Ms Nicola Roberts. This collaborative project is the result of growing recognition of the community need and experience with previous co-operative approaches including the joint delivery of Early Psychosis Education to families. The proposed program is modular to allow for increased flexibility and will be delivered after hours by a Queensland Health Clinician co-facilitating with a MIFNQ Community Mental Health Professional. The program provides introductory units covering key concepts for families around Recovery, Mental Health, and Substance Use. This core material is followed by four units which each cover a unique dual diagnosis case study. Participants are expected to complete the introductory units but can then choose the case study unit that best suits their caring situation. The developmental work so far has progressed well and a pilot is aimed for delivery and evaluation at the beginning of September. This initiative is a great example of the benefit of a public health agency working collaboratively with the community mental health sector for the benefit of families and the community.
Living Proof in Demand From Cairns High Schools Louise Hansen / 23 July 2014
Staff in the high schools of Cairns appear to have a good network because demand for the Living Proof Program has rapidly increased since its launch in the Far North, largely through ‘word of mouth’. Living Proof is a school based education program that counters myths and misunderstandings about mental illness through presentations from local people with a ‘lived experience’ of mental illness. MIFNQ Facilitators work with a class of students for an hour, helping to explain mental illness by sharing their unique experience and insights gained through living with a mental illness. They are ‘living proof’ that with effective treatment, support, and with community acceptance, most people who experience mental illness are able to recover and lead full and rewarding lives. The goals of the initiative are to reduce stigma and discrimination; improve mental health knowledge and literacy; encourage early help seeking behaviours; and support individual and community recovery. MIFNQ Education Coordinator, Ms Louise Hansen began delivering the Living Proof program this year to the High Schools in the region and requests and positive feedback just keep coming despite the loss of government funding. An example is one teachers comments; “Students were amazed and couldn’t stop talking about the stories they heard. Your presentation makes the issue of mental illness so very relevant to the students and is such a better way to create awareness.” The Living Proof program targets students in high school and tertiary institutions, but can be tailored for other groups. Despite the limited resources available the aim remains to have the Living Proof message reach as many students as possible in the Far North to counter the myths and reduce the stigma of mental illness, particularly among vulnerable young people.
Letter from Adrianne Hicks Adrianne Hicks / 4 July 2014
I am writing to the Board of MIFNQ Inc. to say what a delight it has been to have a long standing relationship with the Fellowship commencing in 1998 with Philippa Harris coming to see me after my son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Her assistance and was support was the absolute turning point me being able to cope these past 16 years. Then Philippa and Lyn supported me while I completed my Social Work degree. So in 2007 when I launched the Fellowship with Philippa’s guidance from home in Lake Street with my own little car the journey began. I am proud of what we have achieved – I must acknowledge the support given by Cherrie at all times – what would we do without her? I commend the board for choosing Jeremy Audas as our CEO while acknowledging Andy Froggatt’s dream that realized the Cairns Support Hub. Jeremy has done so much in such a short time and is has been wonderful having such a talented, dedicated visionary leading the way for the Fellowship. My final commitment is to the Clubhouse while still supporting the Carers Hub. I am absolutely delighted to have such a competent person as Bernie Triggs taking us even further. With many thanks, Adrianne Hicks
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Group Bonding Halts Depression for All Walks of Life uq.edu.au/news/article / 25 August 2014
Becoming a part of a social group can significantly reduce the effects of depression, according to new research from The University of Queensland. Research led by Dr Tegan Cruwys and Professor Alex Haslam from UQ’s School of Psychology has found that building strong social relationships is key to treating and preventing clinical depression. The research brings hope to disadvantaged groups in particular, as depression is more common among groups for whom the cost and availability of medical and psychological treatments may be prohibitive. Dr Cruwys said the studies showed that people who regularly interacted and identified with a social group experienced an improved quality of life and a substantial decrease in or cure of their depression. “Clinical depression, which affects 6.2 per cent of Australians in any given Becoming a part of a social group can significantly year and up to 20 per cent reduce the effects of depression of the population sometime in their life, is often preceded by social withdrawal,” she said. “By joining a group, people are provided with exactly what they lack when they are depressed – a sense of belonging, a sense of meaning and purpose, and a source of social support.” “The results place accessible and cost-effective treatment in the hands of everyone without the stigma of seeking psychological treatment or suffering the side-effects of anti-depressants,” Dr Cruwys said. Researchers asked participants at high risk of developing depression to join a community recreation group such as a sporting, sewing or art group. Other participants diagnosed with depression took part in group therapy sessions at a local hospital. Three months later, both groups were surveyed to determine whether any participants had experienced an improvement in their depression. Professor Haslam said the results provided clear evidence that joining groups, and coming to identify with them, could alleviate depression. “For those who felt connected and part of a recreation group, less than one third were still depressed at the end of the study, whereas for those who did not identify with the group, more than half remained depressed,” he said. “Our findings suggest that it does not necessarily matter what type of group you belong to, as long as you feel connected to it.” “The key to stopping depression is being part of the group and having the group be part of you,” he said. The research is published in the Journal of Affective Disorders and in this month’s Scientific American Mind Media: Marketing and Communications Officer Katie Rowney, 3365 3439 or 0413 601 248,
Happy Travels Adrianne Hicks Janice Tiller / 10 July 2014
Staff at Cairns MIFNQ had an opportunity to share some time with Adrianne Hicks and wish her well for upcoming trip to France. Adrianne has retired as Manager of MIFNQ and will visit Family in France.
Michael Jackomos, Adrianne Hicks, Janice Tiller & Jacqueline Conroy
Jacqueline Conroy, Michael Jackomos and Janice Tiller have worked closely with Adrianne and thank Adrianne for the time shared and wish her a wonderful time away and hope she enjoys the trip and time with family.
What Has Glenda Been Up To! Glenda Blackwell / 5 May 2014
Glenda accepting her prize
Glenda won an iPad mini from a Medicare Locals survey. “So happy and useful for work too. Glenda and Dianne Rogers took a trip to Mt Surprise for a “Resourcing Women of the North” conference. Glenda spoke about stress and some strategies including music to relieve stress. During the workshop the women wrote a song together and performed it with singing, drums, shakers and bells. Dianne did a workshop on the Goddess and the women learnt some belly dancing moves. A very rewarding couple of days linking with some amazing rural women . What Glenda does in her “spare“ time. Helping out at the Willows markets selling yummy cakes
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SANE Forums Invites You to Join the Conversation! Alison Fairleigh / 27 August 2014
Today SANE Australia officially launches a national online community for all Australians affected by mental illness. Using the power of the Internet, and a partnership with other mental health organisations, the SANE Forums provide a genuine peer-to-peer support service for carers and families, as well as people with lived experience of mental illness. With Federal Government support, SANE Australia has invested in the best technology available so that people whose lives are affected by mental illness can feel confident to join the conversation online on an anonymous basis, share their stories and knowledge, and find support. The SANE Forums are partnering with mental health organisations around Australia including early adopters ARAFMI NSW, ARAFMI WA, Compassionate Friends Victoria, Eating Disorders Victoria, MIF NT, MIF NQ, MIND AUSTRALIA and Tandem. Each of these organisations can now provide the people they help with another valuable source of support, accessed through their existing websites so it strengthens local links. The importance of peer-to-peer networks to participants should not be underestimated therefore. Susan Stewart Loane, from Macquarie University has researched the ‘consumer value of online health communities.’ She says forum participants may experience significant benefits such as increased confidence and wellbeing in addition to the satisfaction that comes from helping others. ‘Feeling part of a supportive community makes an enormous difference whenever we find ourselves facing a crisis or going through a really difficult time. While it doesn’t remove our problem it can certainly reduce the burden and help put us on a path to recovery.’ To access the forums on our website, head to mifnq.saneforums.org/
Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Schizophrenia Risk business-standard.com / 5 September 2014
Individuals with Vitamin D deficiency are twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia as compared to those who have sufficient levels of the vitamin, says a study. The skin naturally produces this vitamin after exposure to sunlight. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder with symptoms that can include delusions and hallucinations. Since schizophrenia is more prevalent in high latitudes and cold climates, researchers have theorised Vitamin D may be connected to the disorder. "When we examined the findings of several observational studies on Vitamin D and schizophrenia, we found people with schizophrenia have lower Vitamin D levels than healthy people," said Ahmad Esmaillzadeh from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Isfahan, Iran. The researchers reviewed the findings of 19 observational studies that assessed the link between Vitamin D and schizophrenia. When combined, the studies looked at Vitamin D levels and the mental health of 2,804 adult participants. The studies used blood tests to determine each participant's Vitamin D levels. People with Vitamin D deficiency were 2.16 times more likely to have schizophrenia than those with sufficient Vitamin D in their bloodstreams, the analysis showed. The very few foods in nature that contain Vitamin D include the flesh of fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna and mackerel) and fish liver oils. People also obtain smaller amounts of the vitamin through foods, such as milk fortified with Vitamin D. More than a billion people worldwide are estimated to have Vitamin D deficiency due to limited sun exposure. The study appeared in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
The Black Dog, a Poem Brian Abberton
From within the darkness it did crawl, to me it has come to maul For those who are of disbelief, this is no ordinary thief For all it will deliver is an endless round of grief. From your toughest side, you will begin to slide, Until there is truly nowhere you can hide. For it will steal your spirit, and then your soul, Until it relentlessly wears you down, And you end up falling into the deepest darkest hole, For you have lost all and absolute control. Although the medicos tell you there will be a brighter day, You struggle to believe what they have to say. Medication is the only answer for you, But this will mean giving up your favourite brew. They tell me now it has an official name, This thing that has come to play its horrible game, By the medicos term this has become known as depression, Now its officially sanctioned by a parliamentary session. Although depression is now an official disease, For its victims and sufferers there is no real appease, The victims may hope to be reeducated and taught, But for this to be of value they require dedicated support. While there is no warning of this terrible twist, We are all at the mercy of its terrible waiting list. Its overwhelming power may well be such, That for some it really does become too much. This creature from the dark, although it has no obvious bark, Like an eerie relentless fog, It will always be known as the Black Dog.
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Kerry's Story: Menopause
Schizophrenia,
Chemotherapy, Kerry S / 29 July 2014
PIT STOP – Drought Assistance Project (Hughenden Rugby 7s) Alison Fairleigh / 23 July 2014
I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia quite late in life at 34. How it started was unusual as well. I was a gym junkie and heard about this amazing pill to lose weight called Duromine - the kilos just fly off they said, so I got my prescription easy as, but it was a high price to pay even higher than the $50 cost of those pills. You see Duromine is legal speed. Some Doctors peddle it increases you heart rate which really fucked up my brain - it was the stimuli that my brain needed to flip right out. I thought people were following me, also that the newsreader was sending my signals, I thought everything in my life was intertwined, I was making vague accessions with no joining factor. Trouble is I had no family but my son, then 8-years-old, to help me. I was also doing a university degree in Social Work and was in my third year, so it was bloody hard to write up assignments and function as someone's Mum. My friends at uni said, you need help so my friends took away the Duromine and I saw my GP and told her I was seeing people and family members who had died long ago were talking to me. It takes a while for the psychiatrist to make a diagnosis and I was given Risperdal, 1mg, but I decided to self-medicate to 2mg after three or four weeks as I felt I needed a stronger dose. Where am I today? I finished my degree. It took five years to finish this four-year-degree and I worked a few places and volunteered but haven't worked for nearly eight years. In those eight years I had breast cancer and I tell you what, living with Schizophrenia and going through Chemotherapy, Infections and Menopause was a living hell, the medication they gave me clashed with the medication I was taking and I had a real shit of a time. To top it off I am a Diabetic so now I'm on Insulin as well; as the Chemotherapy drugs are full of sugar. I also relapsed (with psychosis) after and during cancer treatment and am up to 3mg of Risperdal now. What goes on in my head is scary at times, my head comes up with the craziest of shit sometimes but I try to rationalize things to break things down to the micro instead of the macro and proceed this way instead of making a big deal of things. Menopause is a hard time for me at the moment, it was worst just after Chemo; I really couldn't cope. My life feels like a movie and the world's a big stage with people always criticizing and I feel people are saying, what's she doing now and always the negative thoughts and mind chatter. My son, now 16-years-old, also has a Mental Illness. He broke down about this and has missed a lot of school as a Young Carer however he is now getting the help he needs to contribute to society as a functioning individual. The future for me is that I would like to do some volunteer work in Administration preferably, and I also am a Member at the Mental Illness Fellowship North Queensland were we meet once a week to share a meal. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my journey.
Saturday, 19th July, MIFNQ attended the annual Rugby 7s Tournament in Hughenden where we hosted a PIT STOP tent for Free Health Checks as part of the our Drought Assistance Project in Flinders Shire. There were 12 teams competing in the roundrobyn competition who had travelled from as far away as Cairns, Mount Isa, Longreach and Emerald to attend, as well as local teams from Hughenden and Prairie.
The two Nurses from Healthcare Australia setting up for the day
We were thrilled to see the large number of people from surrounding drought-affected properties who attended the event as spectators and volunteers. It was our aim to reach people with much needed assistance, information and support to get through the drought.
Some of the players warming up.
To perform the health checks we had two registered nurses from Healthcare Australia and checks included: BMI, blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol, as well as a K-10 test to check for wellbeing. In total, we performed 31 health checks throughout the day which included 24 people from drought-affected properties.
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Glen Taylor & Ken Shewan from Canefields Clubhouse
thereporter.com.au/news / 15 July 2014
BEFORE Ken Shewan found Canefields Clubhouse, negative thoughts filled his head. He had lost his way, and with nothing to do, depression took over. Mr Shewan told The Logan Reporter that without a doubt, Canefields saved his life. "We come in here and we leave our Glen Taylor and Ken Shewan from Canefields Clubhouse past outside. We are joyful and we get on with the day," he said. "Just to come here is an incentive. It's like a job." It's a similar story for many of the people who go to Canefields. The organisation is a non-government one that supports people with a mental illness, helping them to find a purpose and gain confidence. But this is all at risk. Clubhouse was denied Queensland Health funding of $300,000. Manager Jak Dennisen said the organisation has been funded by the state and federal governments, but Queensland Health told him the service was not "value for money". "But all other clubhouses in Queensland got re-funded by this funding round from Queensland Health, and they operate exactly the same model," Mr Dennisen said. The plan is to transition members to three services, including Stepping Stones at Coorparoo. "It won't work. Logan City deserves its own clubhouse," he said. "Why should people travel all the way to Coorparoo, when there is a service in Logan with all the necessary infrastructure in place to operate a clubhouse?" Mr Dennisen said the service was proof that the clubhouse model worked and was value for money. "It keeps people with a mental illness well and having a purpose, sustaining and maintaining employment and the ability to meet and form friendships in their own community," he said. State Member for Woodridge Desley Scott said this was one of the most successful clubhouses. "My fears are around what will happen to these people if this closes," she said. "There is no more damning example of a government who are out of touch. "They are looking at pure economics, and not the value of people." Participant Glen Taylor also fears what will happen if the clubhouse closes. He suffers from schizophrenia and first started coming to the clubhouse in 2000, staying seven years. "I got a job in a pizza shop for six years," he said. But things took a turn, and knowing he could get help at clubhouse, Mr Taylor has started attending again. "This is somewhere I can come and feel accepted, and I have a purpose," he said. A spokesman for Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said in the past more than a billion dollars in 'grants' were allocated by Queensland Health to provide health services each year, without co-ordination of those services. The spokesman said the government commissioned the state's former auditor general Glenn Poole to design a replacement system. The spokesman said in the case of the Canefields Clubhouse, it had tendered for a contract, but had been unsuccessful. "Although it is unsuccessful, its services will still be provided. They will be delivered by an alternative provider -Stepping Stones Clubhouse, which is required to deliver services in Logan and Beenleigh," he said.
Ben’s Story open.ab.net.au/explore / 22 July 2014
I have been coming to clubhouse for the last four months and it has been a good thing to do on a Thursday for me. I have cooked one meal, Massaman curry, last week; and there were no noises at the table while eating so I’ll take it as a success.
I came down with anxiety following two and a half years of employment that I found out was unsuitable for me. I did a twelve month Office Administration trainee-ship in Townsville in 2000, and later worked for six weeks in a job that sent me to an anxiety breakdown. This was for a Rural Fire Service in July 2001. After that, my scalp fell to pieces (anxiety) when I tried to hold information in my head again. My scalp has been slowly reforming over the years, although I have experienced irrational types of thoughts/hallucinations that are brought on by a psychosis. It took time to find the right medication for me and in 2005 my parents took me down to Tony Attwood’s Autism professional) clinic and I was diagnosed with Autism. With the help of a North Queensland Employment Service I found successful employment as a car detailer. I worked for four and a half years at a previous business and now work for a well-known business in Townsville. My boss is a fairly reasonable sort of a bloke, and most of the time I am really quite happy working where I am working.
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One in Five Young People Struggle with Mental Illness but Few Seek Help: Report abc.net.au/news / 19 June 2014
One in five young Australians are dealing with a serious mental illness but more than 60 per cent feel uncomfortable seeking professional support, a new report from Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute has found. The research shows young people who are experiencing the greatest distress are One in five young Australians are also the least willing to seek information dealing with a serious mental illness, or support from counselling services. according to a new report from "The confronting findings in this report Mission Australia and the Black Dog illustrate the significant challenges many Institute. of our young people are facing when it comes to psychological distress and mental health issues," Mission Australia chief executive Catherine Yeomans said. "We know that many of our youth are struggling with complex issues, and it's impacting on their ability to transition with confidence into adulthood." The study found young women are almost twice as likely to experience mental illness compared to young men, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also more likely to be affected. However, when it comes to use of mental health services, young men are least likely to seek professional help, according to the report. Almost 15,000 young Australians aged between 15 and 19 responded to the survey which asked participants to answer questions about their experiences of depression and anxiety in the past four weeks. Respondents were asked about their level of concern on 12 major issues including alcohol, drugs, bullying, depression, discrimination, family conflict and suicide. The results show that coping with stress, school problems and body image are the primary issues of concern for young Australians. Young People Prefer to Seek Help Online The survey findings show most young people felt comfortable seeking support, information and advice from the internet. The authors call for further development of online support programs, such as involving elements of interactive gaming, and telephone hotline services. This comes after earlier revelations that increased numbers of young people are reaching out to the Kids Helpline, but as many as 156,000 calls went unanswered in 2013. The Mission Australia report said online support offers greater accessibility for youth living in remote or rural Australia, where stigma associated with accessing mental health services can be worse than in metropolitan areas. "This mode of delivery has a number of advantages including low cost and en masse delivery," the report's authors said. The authors make a strong recommendation for policy development focussed on preventative measures. "Early intervention and prevention, stigma reduction and mental health promotion are imperative, and it is necessary for schools to take action and play a central role," they said. "It is critical that there is early recognition and support for students struggling with mental health issues to assist them in remaining actively engaged and participating in schools to the extent that they are able to complete their education." Ms Yeomans says early intervention is a key area. "We must invest in early intervention and support to ensure vulnerable youth get the assistance they need to work through these challenges and live happy and healthy lives," she said. If you or anyone you know is in need of crisis support contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit BeyondBlue.
Bipolar Patients’ Facebook Posts to be Studied for Apparent Signs of a Relapse news.com.au / 25 June 2014
Researchers will study Facebook posts and updates from bipolar patients in Melbourne to see if their social media activity can predict when a person is headed for a relapse. Source: Supplied
A world-first program will monitor the Facebook pages of Melbourne bipolar patients to determine if their postings, “likes” and updates can identify when they are headed for a relapse. The pilot program will analyse changes in a person’s social media interactions to gauge changes in their mood, while also prompting a daily selfassessment asking them to rate their feelings each day. The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre program centres on an application it developed with RMIT University, which can be downloaded by patients and linked to their Facebook page to help them avoid episodes of mania. The ground breaking program will be launched by Beyondblue chairman Jeff Kennett, who said social media offered an unprecedented opportunity to support those who may be struggling. “Beyondblue has identified one such opportunity here and clever and innovative approaches like this can make a real difference to the lives of thousands of Australians,” Mr Kennett said. For further information visit: thefadstudy.com.au
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ABC Goes Mental As Alison Fairleigh / 11 July 2014
Mental illness affects every Australian. Half of us will experience a mental health issue directly while many others, as carers, families, friends and colleagues will live with or witness its impact. It is an issue for us all. To kick-start a national conversation about mental health across the wider community, the ABC is launching Mental As a week of distinctive programming for Mental Health Week, 5-12 October 2014, and invites all Australians to join the discussion. ABC Managing Director, Mark Scott said the ABC “has an important role in not only reporting national issues but also in leading discussion, debate and community awareness on the issues and challenges affecting Australians. “Mental health is a significant matter affecting many Australians and the ABC would like to engage in a national discussion about this complex and wide reaching topic.” Across ABC TV, radio, online and mobile ABC Mental As will take a look at mental health from all angles and perspectives, from comedy to documentary, entertainment to debate, as we aim to help join the dots on mental health in Australia. We want to encourage audiences to talk about mental health, seek support and give generously. The week will culminate in a two-hour, live, TV fundraising event on Friday 10 October - The Friday Night Crack Up. Australia’s biggest personalities - comedians, actors, sportspeople, musicians and politicians – will show their support for Mental Health Week and encourage Australians to take action, start talking and to give to mental health research. The ABC is working with Patrick McGorry (2010 Australian of the Year for his services to youth mental health), in his role as President of the Society for Mental Health Research, the national peak body for psychiatric and mental health research in Australia and New Zealand. The goal is to help raise more than $1million for mental health research in Australia. Professor McGorry said the economic costs of mental illness were huge at an estimated $29 billion annually. “Sadly this is largely the cost of failure, failure to invest in 21st century care, which results in premature death, preventable disability and lost productivity,” he said. “Too many people with mental ill health are consigned to the social and economic scrapheap. This can and must change. “We are 20 years behind cancer, where sustained heavy investment in modern health care delivery and world class research are now reaping health benefits for Australians. People with mental ill health know that new and improved treatments are urgently needed. “We need a national research effort to match cancer and cardiovascular disease. The funds raised through “Mental As” will be invested in mental health research, funding Australia’s next generation of emerging research leaders to seek breakthroughs, progress and cures.” ABC board member and 2003 Australian of the Year Professor Fiona Stanley is also supporting the campaign. “I applaud ‘Our ABC’ taking on mental health as a major national issue this year,” she said. “We know that mental ill health is one of the major challenges facing our societies in the 21 st Century. Using the wonderful resources of the ABC to raise awareness and money is fantastic.” ABC Mental As will be supported by a number of high profile Australians including actress Deborah Mailman, Network Ten presenter Jessica Rowe, designer Alex Perry, advertising guru Todd Sampson, musician Missy Higgins, actor Shane Jacobsen and ABC presenters Jeremy Fernandez and Emma Alberici who will act as ambassadors to raise awareness of the initiative, and stimulate conversations. High profile local artists including Ben Quilty, Richard Bell and Euan MacLeod have also thrown their support behind Mental As by offering artworks that explore the theme of mental illness for an online auction. Money raised at auction will go towards mental health fundraising efforts. Mental As begins on Sunday 5 October. Professors Pat McGorry and Fiona Stanley are available for interview. For more information, head to - www.abc.net.au/mentalas
New Website for War Veterans psnews.com.au/aps / 11 July 2014
A new website for the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) has been launched to provide 24-hour support. VVCS is a free and confidential service that offers eligible veterans counselling, group programs, and after-hours crisis support. Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Senator Michael Ronaldson said VVCS was at the front line of mental health and wellbeing support for the Australian veteran and exservice community. "The services provided by VVCS are particularly important as they also support the families, who significantly support veterans," he said. "Tackling the mental health challenges facing veterans and their families is a key pillar of the Government's plan for veterans' affairs."
24-hour support provided www.vvcs.gov.au The launch of the new dedicated website for VVCS follows recent improvements to access to mental health treatment, including access to counselling and support. From 1 July 2014, former serving members who have border protection service, served in a disaster zone either in Australia or overseas, served as a submariner, were involved in training accidents resulting in serious injury or were medically discharged can access VVCS services. VVCS services are also available to partners and their dependent children, up to the age of 26, of these newly eligible service men and women, as well as parents of members killed in service-related incidents. "The Government spends around $166 million a year on meeting the mental health needs of Veterans and their families," Senator Ronaldson said. "The funding for treatment is demand driven, and it is not capped - if treatment is needed, it is funded." Veterans & Veterans Families Counselling Services 1800 011 046.
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Primary Health Practitioners to be Trained in E-Mental Health Therapies hospitalhealth.com.au/news / 18 June 2014
Mental health services in Australia are being bolstered with a $6.5 million initiative to train primary health practitioners in the use of e-mental health therapies and associated technologies. Minister for Health, Peter Dutton, said Queensland’s University of Technology would lead the e-Mental Health in Practice (eMHPrac) initiative, in partnership with the Menzies School of Health Research, The University for Rural Health at the University of Sydney, the Australian National University and the Black Dog Institute. “One in five Australians suffers from mental illness every year, while around 45 per cent of Australians will be affected by mental illness at some stage in their lives,” Mr Dutton said. “The Government is investing in e- Health Minister, Peter Dutton mental health as part of our overall plan to improve primary care, which will be critical to the future success of our health care system. “International research has demonstrated that telephone and online services can be equally effective for people with anxiety and depression as face to face therapy. “eMHPrac will provide specialised training and support in the provision of e-mental health therapies and associated technologies to GPs, psychologists, social workers, counsellors, practice nurses and other health professionals, who may otherwise find it difficult to keep abreast of developments in the field. “There’s a special focus in the programme on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, as well as health care providers in rural and remote areas who are providing services to Indigenous people. “This Government is also providing $5 million to develop a new comprehensive e-mental health platform to make it easier for young people to access mental health support 24 hours a day. “This is part of a series of investments in Mental Health that were announced in the budget including 10 additional headspace sites and $22 million for the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Programme.”
Roads 2 Recovery Walk 2014 Celebrating everyone’s recovery journey. Come down and join us!
When: Where:
Friday 10 October 2014 4.00pm Rockpool Headland, The Strand
Starting from the Rockpool Headland on the Strand and walking to Gregory Street Headland and back.
FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE for walkers and supporters. Wear a yellow or blue shirt or t-shirt. 3.30pm Registration at the Rockpool Headland or email us at admin@mifnq.org.au by 4.00pm Thursday 9 October 2014. See you there!!
EVERYONE WELCOME TO WALK OR SUPPORT Free Information Stall
The Exercise Challenge abc.net.au/radionational/programs / 2 September 2014
Life Matters and ABC Health & Wellbeing are teaming up to bring you the Exercise Challenge! It's part of the ABC’s Mental Health Week initiative 'Mental As' and kicks off Tuesday September 2. What's the challenge? For six weeks you need to be physically active for 300 minutes (five hours) a week. This is how much exercise experts say will keep you in good health – physically and mentally. This sounds like hard work, but if we do it together it'll be easier. And you don't need to spend all this time in the gym or running around the block. Try to do exercise you enjoy in a way that works for you, so it might be walking to work, taking a dance or yoga class, swimming in the pool or ocean, or chasing your kids around the park...
How are we going to help? Every Tuesday during the challenge Life Matters will speak to leading exercise experts, as well as checking in with our challenge 'guinea pigs'. ABC Health & Wellbeing has some great stories and articles outlining the amazing benefits exercise has for your body and mind, as well as resources to help you get started and to keep you going. How can you join in? We'd love to hear from you. Tell us what you want to get from exercise, what challenges you're facing and what wonderful experiences you’re having on your personal fitness journey. So send us an email, text, tweet, FB comment or even a picture and tell us how you’re going. The hashtag (and motto) is #abcgetfit. We'll be sharing stuff on our social media pages, but you'll find some of the best bits of the conversation here – so keep checking in. (Please note: social media contributions may feature on the website.)
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Teenagers More Anxious & Depressed boorowanewsonline.com.au/story / 11 July 2014
Teenagers are experiencing more depression and anxiety than they did a decade or more ago, with doctors reporting an increase in the most serious and difficult cases. A review of 19 studies conducted across 12 countries has found the majority showed a deterioration in the mental health of teenage girls when it came to depressive and anxious symptoms, with some finding between 30 and 50 per cent of teenage girls were experiencing the symptoms. The research, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, also found an increase in anxiety and depression among teenage boys, although overall rates were lower. Study leader William Bor said it was likely a number of changes that had come with the new century were having a negative impact negatively impacting on teenagers’ mental health. “There are changes in people’s value systems, increasing stress at school, there’s evidence young people are becoming more narcissistic and there is speculation that widening income inequality could also be contributing,” he said. “There is also the wider use of the internet, large amounts of time spent on screens.” Dr Bor, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the University of Queensland and Mater Research at Mater Hospital, said he had been driven to undertake the research because he was seeing a much greater demand from teenagers needing help. “We are seeing an increase in the number of attendances in casualty departments, with adolescent girls with anxiety and depression,” he said. “The very worrying thing is whether we will see an increase in the female suicide rate.” James Scott, a child and adolescent psychiatrist from the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, said the fact research was showing mental illness was either stable, or in some cases increasing, among children and teens was concerning: “If you look at a lot of diseases, such as infectious diseases, we are bringing [them] down quite dramatically across the Dr James Scott, child & adolescent Psychiatrist from University of whole world, but with mental health we are Queensland Centre for Clinical having no impact.” Research He said the problems he was seeing were increasingly difficult to treat, and often involved serious mental health problems and suicidality, combined with social and family problems. “I rarely see easy cases anymore,” he said. "It’s actually hard to intervene effectively, because you can’t change genetics, you can’t change poverty, child abuse is hard to change and school pressures aren’t going away.” But he said it also appeared that there was increasing pressure on children to perform. “The girls I see have very high expectations of themselves, and what they need to achieve, and need to do, and they seem to be more sensitive to these expectations than the boys,” he said. “Most parents I see are just trying to enjoy the journey, so I don’t think we can blame parents for this, but there is a drive for kids to achieve at school and get into university, that is certainly there.” Acting Beyond Blue chief executive officer Dr Brian Graetz said parents should focus on giving their children skills to cope with stress from an early age. “It’s skills around managing their emotions, particularly girls, before they get to puberty, they need to understand the need to talk about issues with mum and dad, and then mum and dad giving them confidence to manage these issues,” he said. “So if they do get anxious they have a strategy about how they are going to relax.”
Mental Health First Aid Training The Mental Health First Aid Program is run by Mental Health First AidTM (MHFA) Australia, a national nonprofit health promotion charity focused on training and research. More information about MHFA Australia here: www.mhfa.com.au Standard Mental Health First Aid covers the most common disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders and alcohol and drug problems. 2014 Dates: 4th & 5th November 2014 Youth Mental Health First Aid is for adults who live or work with young people. This course also addresses selfharm and eating disorders. 2014 dates: 9th & 10th December 2014 Both courses cover the development of a 5-step action plan for mental health first aid, managing suicide, panic attacks, psychotic behaviour and general communication skills. Training Location: Arcadian Surf Lifesaving Club The Strand Rockpool North Ward Qld 4810 Duration: 2 days Cost: $100 per person Registration Forms available online at: http://www.mifa.org.au/mentalhealth-first-aid To find out more contact our Qld Manager Education and Training, Philippa Harris on 4725 3664, or email training@mifnq.org.au.
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Calendar of Events – September & October 2014
SEPTEMBER 2014 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
BLUE SEPTEMBER – Supporting awareness of cancers that affect men and cancer research - blueseptember.org.au
7
1 Gold Bow Day For the Australian Thyroid Foundation
2
3 Asthma Awareness Week
8 Child Protection Week Preventing Child Abuse
8
15
16
4
5
5
11
12 Community
13 Not Too Old To Dance Rock Fest
asthmaaustralia.org.au
10 World Suicide Prevention Day
Festival Townsville Food, Music, Entertainment & Movies for Families Strand Park 4:30 – 8:30pm
wspd.org.au 14
17
18 VNQ Townsville
19
20
26
27 Mackay Triathlon Festival
Network Managers Meeting Aitkenvale 10am – 2pm
21 World Alzheimer’s Day
22
23
28
29 Sleep Awareness Week
30
24
25
OCTOBER 2014 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH – Be aware and get yourself checked!! – bcna.org.au SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY 1
Ocsober Begins! Say NO and show your support!
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
2
3
SATURDAY 4 World Animal Day
ocsober.com.au
5 Mental Health Week
12 SANDS Qld Walk to Remember
6
7
8
9
10
14
15 Leukemia
16
17
18
25
PUBLIC HOLIDAY Labour Day MIFNQ Offices will be closed 13
Roads 2 Recovery Walk
11
Foundation Light the Night
sandsqld.org.au
Visit the website for a walk near you: lightthenight.org.au
19
20
Sock It To Suicide Week
26
27 Pink Ribbon Day
21
22
23
24 United Nations Day
28
29
30
31 HALLOWEEN
Mental Health: Walking the Talk in the Workplace hcamag.com/hr-news / 9 July 2014
When Ingrid Ozols, the founder and managing director of Mental Health at Work, started working in the mental health space 15 years ago, people laughed at her. “In those early days, it was really hard work because no one wanted to talk about it [mental illness]. We’ve come a long way, but we still haven’t gone far enough because there’s still a stigma.” She said that people often didn’t know how to respond when confronted with the issue of mental illness. “People don’t know what to say, so they’d rather say nothing at all. The workplace is where we spend most of our time and many of us don’t have extended family like we used to so it becomes an extended family. “There used to be this mantra that your personal life should never come to work and work should never go home. That’s baloney. We’re not robots. You can’t switch the tap on and off when you’re at work and switch off all your personal emotions.” According to the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, an estimated 7.3 million Australians aged between 16 and 85 will experience a common mental health-related disorder in their lifetime. When it comes to mental health in the workplace, there’s no silver bullet, no simple answer, said Ozols. Employers needed to do the hard yards to promote health and wellbeing generally. Many had no policies in place around mental health and some who did, didn’t know how to practise them, she said. “They need to create a culture that is safe and embraces humans. To be human means we’re going to experience love, loss, frustration, positive or negative stress – it’s not even mental health we’re looking at, it’s the whole health spectrum.” She said creating a safe culture required CEO and board leadership. “They’ve got to walk the talk. What we’re trying to do is use peer support. If you can’t have a conversation safely in the workplace, that’s your first hurdle.” Having workplace “champions” – people with whom others could talk about mental health issues – is a strategy Ozols is passionate about. “You have that person trained up so they know that if there is a chance that the person is suicidal or at risk of self-harm, they don’t keep that a secret. “Then you have a whole range of referral processes in place and not just to EAP. It’s got to be long-term, consistent and CEOs have to walk the talk. People have to be sincere and genuine because at the end of the day, we are playing with people’s lives.” It was also important for employees to know that they would not be discriminated against for talking about mental illness. “People can’t be dismissed, but there’s a fear of being managed out under different guises,” said Ozols. Driving a culture change and learning how to have “brave conversations” in the workplace about mental illness also requires investment and Ozols said that many organisations do not have a mental health budget. “Businesses have to invest in the resources to make it a sustainable, longterm progression to culture change.” Ingrid will be part of a panel discussion, along with Caroline Graham, head of people and development – client services, Allens, and Christine Fitzherbert, executive director, human resources, Melbourne Health, entitled Mental Health in the Workplace at the Melbourne HR Summit, 3031 July. Visit the website for more information. http://hcamag.com/hr-summitmelbourne/conference-agenda/
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Call For Education On Mental Illness and Substance Use
Louise Hansen / 23 July 2014
Because of ongoing demand from families dealing with the impact of mental illness and substance abuse a carer education program to assist is about to be trialled in the Far North. The program titled “Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use: The Caring Experience” is being developed jointly by the Cairns MIFNQ team and representatives from Queensland Health’s Dual Diagnosis Team, Dr Akiko Murakami and Ms Nicola Roberts. This collaborative project is the result of growing recognition of the community need and experience with previous co-operative approaches including the joint delivery of Early Psychosis Education to families. The proposed program is modular to allow for increased flexibility and will be delivered after hours by a Queensland Health Clinician cofacilitating with a MIFNQ Community Mental Health Professional. The program provides introductory units covering key concepts for families around Recovery, Mental Health, and Substance Use. This core material is followed by four units which each cover a unique dual diagnosis case study. Participants are expected to complete the introductory units but can then choose the case study unit that best suits their caring situation. The developmental work so far has progressed well and a pilot is aimed for delivery and evaluation at the beginning of September. This initiative is a great example of the benefit of a public health agency working collaboratively with the community mental health sector for the benefit of families and the community.
Genetic Trigger for Schizophrenia and Alcoholism Discovered
health.ninemsn.com.au/family / 23 July 2014
People who have a rare variant of the GRM3 gene are two to three times more likely to develop schizophrenia, alcoholism or bipolar disorder than people with the more common expression of the gene.
their genes to 1,309 healthy people.
Psychiatrist Professor David Curtis led the study that looked at the genes of 4,971 people who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or alcoholism, and compared
They found those with a mental illness were much more likely to have the rare gene variant, and now they're hopeful the finding will pave the way for new psychiatric drugs. "We could be looking at the next big drug target for treating mental illness," Professor Curtis said. "The work opens up new ways to prevent and treat mental illnesses by revealing the mechanisms involved in their development." The rare gene is found in one in every 200 people, according to the University College London researchers who discovered the link, and is believed to play a part in brain signalling. The researchers believe their findings could pave the way for new drug treatments for these conditions. Schizophrenia patients are currently treated with drugs that turn down the brain chemical dopamine, which transmits messages between brain cells. When dopamine is overactive, it causes parts of the brains which are meant to be kept separate to communicate. Psychiatrists believe that it can lead to the speech and hearing centres of the brain communicating in ways they are not meant to, which is why people with schizophrenia "hear voices". This new finding has opened up the possibility for the development of drugs that target other chemicals — such as glutamate — which is detected by the GRM3 gene, and also calcium channels that are also involved in brain activation. "Drug treatments for schizophrenia have barely changed over the past few decades, as they still target dopamine receptors," said study co-author Dr Andrew McQuillin. "Schizophrenia treatments targeting glutamate receptors have been tested in the past without success. "However, they might be more effective at treating patient groups with mutations in glutamate receptors such as GRM3." Drugs that target calcium channels have shown some success for treating bipolar disorders in preliminary studies. This research adds to findings from a recent global study involving more than 150,000 people that first established the gene's association with schizophrenia. The study was published in the journal Psychiatric Genetics. Author: Kimberly Gillan. Approving editor: Wade O'Leary.
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Article Review tandfonline.com / Sabrina Hassan
Fallacies of a family member: recovery in progress Abstract “I have worked in mental healthcare with people living with serious mental illness for almost 12 years, and I am in my third year of doctoral training in clinical psychology. My brother has lived with “schizophrenia” for over 10 years. I write from the perspectives of a training clinician and a family member – a family member who did not realize how clinically insensitive her experiences with her brother were until now. This is an essay of humility and hope.” Excellent Read Opinions from other carers: “Excellent, the best article I have read. MIF need to have this available for family members because you see this happening all the time so much misunderstanding. The old saying – walk a mile in my shoes.” SJ “Thought provoking account of how the writer S/abrina Hassan took ten years to finally gain insight into her brother’s illness. This mirrors the journey of many family members & friends including myself who often expect our loved one with an illness to meet our expectations. We focus on our grief and loss around our loved ones illness without acknowledging what our loved ones are feeling and seeing from their eyes what they have lost. Sabrina summed it up best by saying “I have been missing my brother and grieving my loss – but he has been there all along”. Felt so moved by the writer’s story that I have forwarded it to other family members.” MJ “I read that essay last night and agree that everyone should read it. I thought it was well written, honest and easy to understand. At the end of it I thought I may have done that one or two hundred times but I think in the future I will "hear" better.” CW
GPS Device to Track Runaways
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Rest in Peace
townsvillebulletin.com.au/news / 14 August 2014
Townsville Hospital will trial GPS monitoring devices on patients in a bid to halt escapes from its acute adult mental health unit. Ten patients have absconded from the unit while another nine have failed to return on time from scheduled leave since December, when all of the state’s mental health units were directed to lock down to tighten security at the sites. Some of the escapees had been involuntarily admitted. Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said a GPS device monitoring trial would soon be introduced at Townsville’s unit, to complement a trial that is currently being carried out by the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service. It follows a statewide directive by Queensland Health director-general Dr Michael Cleary Health Minister, Lawrence Springborg to lock down adult acute mental health units in a tightening of access and security. The directive came after figures revealed there were 2200 reported cases of patients absconding from Queensland’s mental health units in 2012-13. “All 11 Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) with adult acute mental health units have implemented this policy, and capital works necessary to implement the policy have progressed,” Mr Springborg said. “The locking of wards is one of a number of strategies employed to reduce patient absence without permission and enhance patient care and safety, along with increased clinical oversight, revised local escalation processes, and improved risk assessments.” Mr Springborg said the statewide average rate of patients “away without permission” had fallen from 6.7per 1000 bed days prior to the new policy, to 5.0 per 1000 bed days. In Townsville, the number has fallen from 6.0 to 4.3 “away without permission” incidents per 1000 involuntary patient days. Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Julia Squire said there was a “robust” process in place for patients to be returned as quickly as possible, including notifications to police. A police source said patients absconded from Julia Squire, Townsville the facility “fairly regularly”. “We work with the Hospital & Health Service hospital and get them back but it is their facility Chief Executive and it is their responsibility to keep them secure,” the source said. “Some of them are involuntary and will just see an opportunity to bolt.” Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief operating officer Kieran Keyes said the majority of patients returned on their own. “Of the 10 patients who absconded from the acute unit, the time away varied,” he said. “The vast majority either returned of their own volition or were returned within hours.” Mr Keyes said no members of the public, or patients, were harmed during the incidents.
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Imogen, Lyn Tyson’s faithful Guide Dog. Imogen has been a loyal assistance dog to Lyn for many years and she will be missed greatly, not only by Lyn, but also all the Townsville staff. Lyn made the heartbreaking decision recently to put Imogen to rest due to health issues from old age.
Those who know Lyn will certainly remember Imogen. She was a valued member of the office at MIFNQ in Townsville and was full of joy and life. We all had our special moments with the lovely “Immy”, whether it was taking her for a walk or giving her a break from duty, We all appreciated her presence and the importance of her role, and we thank Lyn for allowing us to enjoy her. Our deepest condolences to Lyn.
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Taking Suicide Prevention to New Heights cowraguardian.com / 10 Sept 2014
These siblings are scaling some of the biggest mountains in the world and they're doing it all for their dad. Maddie and Will Gay are set to tackle six mountains, in five countries, across four continents over three months next year as part of their 6NIL campaign to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention. Will & Maddie Gay Since launching 6NIL a little over two weeks ago, Maddie and Will - whose family resides in Cowra - have already raised a staggering $10, 000 for Lifeline and are well on their way to achieving their $250,000 fundraising goal by the time they take off on their journey on World Suicide Prevention Day in September next year. Their colossal challenge echoes the huge hole left in their lives by the death of their dad. "When my brother and I lost our dad [Tony] to suicide five years ago, it had a really profound effect on us both," Ms Gay said. "It's hard to put someone like [Dad] into words. My whole family grew up in Boorowa and he lived and died on the farm his parents built up. "He was a huge family man, everyone loved him. He was an amazing dad, a great friend and to lose someone like that is heartbreaking." Maddie was 21 when their dad died, her brother Will just 17. "We were still kids really," she said. "He's left a hole in a lot of people's hearts." Ms Gay said their physical challenge is a way of tackling the stigma of mental illnesses in rural and regional Australia head on. "We're passionate about getting the word out about suicide prevention and getting people to talk about it," Ms Gay said. "Stigma is a huge hurdle for people to seek help. Such an important part of life is asking for help when you need it. "As well as being a huge physical challenge, the inclines and declines of the mountains reflect the ups and downs of people's lives. "It's kind of healing for us both but the main aim is to empower people to start having conversations." Maddie and Will are determined to stop their tragedy ever happening to another family through their campaign. "After losing Dad, we became a lot more informed about mental illness in general," Ms Gay said. "The suicide rate is double the annual road fatalities and while we're always told to wear seatbelts, I can't recall ever being told that suicide is preventable." Ms Gay said they decided to fundraise for Lifeline because it's accessible Australia-wide, where many services are only available only help those in more densely-populated areas. Through sharing her own story, Ms Gay said she's already had people opening up to her about their own experiences with mental illness and suicide. "It's hard for us to talk about [Dad], but it's not about us anymore," she said. "People are starting to have meaningful conversations." For more information on how you can help Maddie and Will hit their fundraising target, head to: www.6nil.com. If you or someone you know needs support in a crisis, please call Lifeline on 131 114.
Supporting MIFNQ There are many ways that you can support us and the work we do at MIFNQ. If you haven’t done so already, why not become a member. Membership is free and an application form is on the back page or you can join online at our website.
Volunteering is another way you can make a valuable contribution. We always have lots of opportunities for volunteers to make a difference to our services and programs. You may like to volunteer with administration tasks, assist with our extensive library, are a handyman or assist with our program courses which can range from reading, music, cooking, arts and crafts and a whole lot more. Many of our volunteers find they can receive as much themselves as they generously give. Partnerships/Sponsors You might also consider becoming a business partner or sponsor of the Fellowship. Our dedicated staff put in many hours of unpaid work to enable us to provide the best service we can in the community. Business partnerships allow us keep the corporate services department running effectively and efficiently while allowing us to plan for future growth and the ever increasing demand for services. And donating to MIFNQ online is easy. Online Donations You can make secure online donations through the Give Now website through this link www.givenow.com.au/mifnq
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Coffee Break
Did You Know? 11% of people are left handed August has the percentage of births
highest
Unless food is mixed with saliva you can't taste it The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes A bear has 42 teeth An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain Most lipsticks contain fish scales No two corn flakes look the same Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries 8% of people have an extra rib Across 1. Aquatic mammal (5) 4. Striped equine (5) 7. Watered (9) 8. Flows back (4) 10. Tennis stoke (5) 13. Assumed name (5) 14. Disparaging remark (4) 17. Essential (9) 19. Rear part of a ship (5) 20. Smooth fabric (5)
Down 1. Relinquished (6) 2. Atmosphere (3) 3. Boundary of a surface (4) 4. Stringed instrument (6) 5. Confound (7) 6. Desiccated (4) 9. State of equilibrium (7) 11. Bird of prey (6) 12. Implement for writing or drawing (6) 15. Optical device (4) 16. Small snakes (4) 18. Colony insect (3)
Brain Teasers 1. Q. What has one eye but cannot see? 2. Q. Take off my skin – I won’t cry, but you will. What am I? 3. Q. What occurs once in every minute, twice in every moment and yet never in a thousand years? 4. A cowboy rode into town on Friday, stayed three days, and rode out again on Friday. How did he do that?
Answers:
85% of plant life is found in the ocean Ralph Lauren's original name was Ralph Lifshitz Rabbits like licorice The Hawaiian alphabet has 12 letters 'Topolino' is the name for Mickey Mouse Italy A lobsters blood is colourless but when exposed to oxygen it turns blue Armadillos have 4 babies at a time and are all the same sex Reindeer like bananas The longest recorded flight of a chicken was 13 seconds Birds need gravity to swallow The most commonly used letter in the alphabet is E The least used letter in the alphabet is Q The 3 most common languages in the world are Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and English
4. A. His Horse’s name was Friday! 2. A. The letter ‘m’
Dreamt is the only word that ends in “mt”
2. A. An onion
The names of all continents both start and end with the same letter
1. A. A needle
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Mi Networks AUSTRALIA Mi Networks is our promise that we can help connect you to information and services you need. From the moment you walk in the door or pick up the phone, we will welcome you. We will listen and discuss your needs. Many of our staff and volunteers have some understanding of what you are experiencing, in part because they’ve experienced mental illness or have cared for someone living with mental illness. Our Promise A place you are welcome -- We promise to treat you like a person, not a number. We will always have time to listen, question and discuss. We want to know how you are, what you need and how we can help. Peer Support -- Many of our staff and volunteers have lived experience: either living with mental illness or as the carers of someone with mental illness. We are people with similar experiences and we will have some understanding of what you are going through. Relevant Information -- We offer tailored and up-to-date information to assist you, your family members, friends and carers. If we don’t have the information you require, we will help you find it. Community Networks--We are linked into our local networks and have established strong and supportive working relationships with other services. We are connected to a broad range of programs, supports and information. A National Network --We offer a range of one-on-one and group support programs for you, your family members, friends and carers across Australia. If we can’t assist you on-site at one of our locations, we will connect you with someone who can. Personalised Referral -- We will refer you to the services and supports that best meet your needs. This may be a program we offer or it may be provided by someone else. We will support you to find the best fit for you. For further information go to the MiNetworks website or call 1800 985 944
Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc MIFNQ-Cairns Mental Health Carers’ Support Hub MIFNQ-Day To Day Living MIFNQInc @CairnsCarersHub @MIFNQ @Roads2Recovery MIFNQInc
www.mifnq.org.au Townsville has an extensive collection of books, DVD’s, CDs, VHS and cassettes for members to borrow. Feel free to come in and browse around. Library Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Membership Application Form I would like to become a member of Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc.
Individual
Family
Organization
Please select the category/categories which relate to you:
Family Member Health Professional
Friend Student
Someone who experiences mental illness Other _____________________________
What Program/s are you current enrolled in (if any):
Day to Day Living Living Proof
Early Psychosis Respite
MH First Aid Well Ways Assisting Families Counselling
DONATIONS AND REQUESTS I wish to support the work of the Fellowship and I enclose a donation of:
$100 $50 $25 Other ____________________________________ Please contact me about a regular contribution I wish to donate in other ways…. __________________________________________________ Please contact me with information about helping the Fellowship through my Will YOUR DETAILS Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Home: _____________________________
Work: _________________________________
Fax: _____________________________________
Mobile: ________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________________ Email Consent (please sign) ____________________________________________________________ (This consent allows MIFNQ to contact you via electronic media) Image Consent (please sign) ___________________________________________________________ (This consent allows MIFNQ to use your image on print and/or electronic media)
On completion return to: Email: townsville@mifnq.org.au
Doc ID: Document13
Version: 1.10
Fax: (07) 4725 3819
Approved by: Chief Executive Officer
Post: Membership Administration Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc PO Box 979 HYDE PARK QLD 4812 Effective date: 16/01/2014
Review date: 16/01/2015
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The Master document is controlled electronically. One printed copy of each version is held for reference in the Quality Management System Master Document File. All other hard copies are uncontrolled.